Causes of Depression: An Overview
Despite intensive research,
depression research scientists still do not know the cause or causes of
depression. They do believe that that the onset of the illness is frequently caused by a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. In other words, there is no one cause of depression.
Research scientists also know that imbalances in brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, seem to be linked to depression. These chemicals include serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. What is not known is whether these chemical imbalances are a result or a cause of depression.
Are Risk Factors the Same as Depression Causes?
While scientists are still searching for depression causes, they do know that a number of factors can increase a person's chances of developing it.
These are known as depression risk factors. Risk factors are not the same as causes of depression. While they do increase the chances of developing the illness, they do not guarantee that a person will develop it.
Some risk factors for depression include:
- A family history of depression
- Certain medications
- A history of substance abuse
- Certain medical illnesses
- Hormonal factors
- Stress.
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